Chair protector

ABSTRACT

A chair protecting device made of a first sheet that is turned upon itself and attached along vertical edges thereof to form a cavity to accommodate a back of a chair. The sheet has an inner layer that is made of a fluid impervious material and an outer absorbent layer for maintaining spills therebetween and preventing any spilled fluid from reaching the chair.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a chair protector in general, and more specifically relates to a protective chair drape for use with beauty or hair salon chairs, such chair protector having an absorbent layer on the top and a bottom layer of plastic or other suitable material being impervious to liquid such that spilled liquid is maintained between the absorbent and plastic layers thereby protecting the chair from chemicals used for coloring or processing hair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Protective drapes that fit onto and protect a client receiving hair care are known in the prior art and are widely used. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,987,730 to Walker discloses a protective device for use in dyeing or shampooing hair which is made of a fabric with a headband that fits onto the head of a user and has a transparent window for the user to view the hair treatment being applied, while protecting the client from the chemicals.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 3,514,788 to Miller discloses a protective garment, much in the shape of a jacket, that may be worn by users when performing a desired beauty care operation upon themselves. U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,364 to Fenninger et al. discloses a disposable towel that is in the shape of a bib to be used on clients during hairdressing sessions.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,980 to Brison et al. discloses a protecting garment for use in a hairdressing salons and a triangular towel that is absorbent and is attached thereto. U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,158 to Oka et al. discloses a protective sheet in the shape of an apron that uses self-adhesive property for attaching the sheet to a user.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,079,777 to Fowler et al. discloses a protective cover for use in salons that is in the shape of a cape and is worn around the collar of a client and has a flap extending therefrom to prevent penetration through the collar region. U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,740 discloses a garment that is worn around the collar of a client and has fastening means for adjusting the garment around the neck of the client.

[0006] All of the aforementioned protective devices are adapted to be worn by the client to prevent fluid from spilling onto the client's clothing. None of the aforementioned protective devices provide a means for protecting the seat upon which the client is seated from possible spillage. Therefore, there remains a continuing need for an advance in the art beyond the existing seat protectors that is absorbent, fast drying, foldable, reusable and disposable, and is easy to install, secure, and remove on chairs of varying size and shape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention relates to an absorbent, fast-drying, reusable, disposable, and adjustable protecting device to be used on beauty salon chairs to prevent damage thereto from spilled chemicals used in coloring and processing hair.

[0008] The device is made of a sheet of sufficient size to enclose the back of the salon chair. The device is comprised of an absorbent top layer and a liquid-proof bottom layer which is unaffected by the chemicals contained in hair coloring and processing products. The device may have a removable side panel spanning a vertical portion thereof, thereby allowing the device to be easily installed onto the back of the salon chair. An attaching means, such as hook and loop fasteners or any other suitable securing device, enables the panel to be removably attached to the edge of the device.

[0009] The absorbent top layer may be comprised of a plurality of layers of suitable absorbent, lightweight and fast drying material quilted together. The bottom layer is comprised of a thin, lightweight plastic or other suitable material that is impervious to liquid and unaffected by the chemicals found in hair coloring and processing products.

[0010] Therefore, it is a primary objective of the invention to provide a chair protector that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0011] It is another objective of the invention to provide an efficient means to protect salon chairs from damage caused by chemicals spilled during hair coloring and processing.

[0012] It is another objective of the invention to provide a chair protector that is absorbent.

[0013] It is another objective of the invention to provide a chair protector that has a liquid-proof inner layer which is unaffected by the chemicals found in hair coloring and processing products, which prevents said chemicals from reaching the chair.

[0014] It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a fast drying chair protector for quicker storage and reuse.

[0015] It is a further objective of the invention to provide a chair protector that is reusable.

[0016] It is another objective of the invention to provide a chair protector that is disposable at the discretion of the user.

[0017] It is another objective of the invention to provide a chair protector that is simple to install and to remove.

[0018] It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a chair protector that is easy to firmly secure with hook and loop fasteners or any other suitable securing device.

[0019] It is another objective of the invention to provide a chair protector that is cost efficient and stylish.

[0020] Such stated objectives and advantages of the invention are only examples and should not be construed as limiting this invention. Other objectives and advantages of the invention herein will become more apparent from the detailed description of the invention and the claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair protector as installed upon a back of a chair.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a plan view of an unassembled chair protector.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the chair protector in an unsecured position.

[0024]FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway view of bottom edge of the chair protector showing the contractile element.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the chair protector illustrating a plurality of layers comprising the top layer.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the chair protector illustrating a channel for trapping fluids.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the chair protector illustrating a receptacle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 1, a protecting device 10 is installed on a back of a chair 12. Now also referring to FIG. 2, for the purpose of illustration but not limitation, in one preferred embodiment device 10 is constructed of a first sheet 14. However, it is to be understood that although first sheet 14 is made of a unitary piece of material, this is not meant to limit the construction of the sheet 14 and that a plurality of pieces of material may be combined to form sheet 14. In addition, although sheet 14 is illustrated as a substantially rectangular piece of material, it is to be understood that any other suitable shape may be substituted therefor. Sheet 14 has a first edge 16 and a second edge 18 which are situated in an opposing manner and are interconnected via opposing third edge 20 and a fourth edge 22.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, a first panel 24 attaches to third edge 20 of first sheet 14 and a second panel 26 attaches to fourth edge 22 of first sheet 14 along a predetermined portion of each of the respective third edge 20 and fourth edge 22. First sheet 14 extends over first panel 24 and second panel 26 and connected thereto by third edge 20 and fourth edge 22 respectively, such that first panel 24 and second panel 26 are maintained in parallel relations and a cavity 28 is formed between first sheet 14, first panel 24, and second panel 26 for receiving the back of a chair 12 within cavity 28. It is to be understood that although panels are herein illustrated, that device 10 can also be built without panels wherein sheet 14 is folded along a line perpendicular to edges 20 and 22 and attached along the same still define a cavity 28.

[0030] First sheet 14, first panel 24, and second panel 26 have an outer layer 30 and an inner layer 32. Outer layer 30 preferably has absorbent characteristics. Outer layer 30 can be comprised of any suitable absorbent, thin, fast drying and lightweight material such as fabric. Inner layer 32 of sheet 14 is comprised of thin, lightweight, flexible material such as, but not limited to, plastic or any other suitable material impervious to liquid and unaffected by chemicals contained in hair coloring and processing products.

[0031] Referring specifically now to FIG. 3, for purposes of illustration but not limitation, an alternate preferred method of mounting device 10 on a chair 12 is illustrated. Second panel 26 is in an unsecured position is turned out to accommodate a back of chair 12 therein. At least an attaching means 34 is placed on second panel 26 and is adapted to communicate with a corresponding attaching means 34 on outer layer 30, such that device 10 may be fastened around back of chair 12 in a secure and adjustable manner. Attaching means 34 may be hook and loop fasteners or other suitable attaching means that is known in the art.

[0032] Now also referring to FIG. 4, a partial cutaway view of sheet 14 of device 10 is illustrated, whereby an alternate preferred embodiment of attaching device 10 to back of chair 12 is disclosed. Sheet 14 is turned upon itself and attached along first edge 16 and second edge 18, and possibly along panels 24 and 26 (not shown), such that a hollow conduit 36 is created that receives an element 38 therein having contractile and resilient characteristics. Element 38 allows expansion of cavity 28 to accommodate back of chair 12 and, when in place, contracts to securely maintain device 10 on chair 12.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 5, for purposes of illustration and not limitation, outer layer 30 may be made of a plurality of absorbent layers. In one preferred embodiment, outer layer 30 is made of a first layer 40, a second layer 42 and a third layer 44. Layers 32, 34, and 36 are assembled and attached by any suitable means to inner layer 32 along edges 16, 18, 20 and 22 thereof. The layers of material may use moisture locking technology that is known in the art, and commonly used with diapers and feminine hygiene products, to trap spilled liquids therein and to prevent the transfer of liquid maintained therein.

[0034] Now referring to FIG. 6, an alternate preferred embodiment of device 10 is illustrated, wherein first edge 16 is folded in an outward and upward direction to form a channel 46. Channel 46 is adapted to receive and maintain any excess fluid that may be spilled onto sheet 14 and be collected therein as a result of gravity.

[0035] Now referring to FIG. 7, an alternate preferred embodiment of device 10 is illustrated, wherein at least a receptacle 48 may be formed on outer layer 30 of device 10. A plurality of receptacles 48 may be sized and shaped to accommodate certain utensils, such as a hair brush or comb, or other hair care accessories, such as curlers.

[0036] While the above description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible without departing from the essential spirit of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated above, but rather by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A protecting device, comprising: a first sheet folded upon itself and attached along at least along an edge thereof; a cavity defined by opposing unattached edges of said sheet; whereby a back of a chair is inserted into said cavity and said sheet drapes over the back of the chair.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein a contractile element extends for a portion of said edge defining said cavity, said contractile element securely fastening said sheet to said chair.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said sheet has an inner layer and an outer layer.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein said inner layer is impervious to fluids.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein said outer layer consists of an absorbent material.
 6. The device of claim 4, wherein said outer layer consists of an absorbent material.
 7. The device of claim 4, wherein said bottom layer is made of plastic.
 8. The device of claim 4, wherein said top layer is comprised of a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, each of the first, second, and third layers having absorbent characteristics.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first, second, and third layers have fluid retaining qualities that prevents transferring of fluid maintained therein.
 10. The device of claim 6, wherein a channel is formed for trapping liquids by extending an edge of sheet 14 outwardly and upwardly.
 11. The device of claim 6, wherein at least a receptacle is maintained on said outer layer.
 12. A protective drape for use on a back of a chair, comprising: a first sheet having a first edge and a second edge opposing each other and being connected by an opposing third edge and a fourth edge; an outer layer and an inner layer defining said first sheet; a first panel being attached to said third edge and a second panel being attached to said fourth edge such that an opening is created between said first panel, said second panel, said first edge, and said third edge; whereby, a back of a chair is received through said opening.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein an attaching means removably attaches said second panel to said fourth edge.
 14. The device of claim 12, wherein a contractile element is maintained within at least said first edge to secure said device to said back of said chair.
 15. The device of claim 12, wherein said outer layer is made of an absorbent material and said inner layer is made of a fluid impervious material.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein at least a receptacle is attached to said outer layer.
 17. The device of claim 15, wherein a channel is created by extending said first edge outwardly and upwardly.
 18. The device of claim 12, wherein said outer layer is created from a plurality of layers having fluid locking properties to prevent fluid from escaping therefrom.
 19. In combination, a protecting device for use with a back of a beauty salon chair for preventing spills onto said chair, comprising: a first sheet having a first edge and a second edge opposing each other and being connected by an opposing third edge and a fourth edge; an outer layer having absorbent characteristics and an inner layer having fluid impermeability characteristics defining said first sheet; a first panel being attached to said third edge and a second panel being removably attached to said fourth edge by an attaching means, such that an opening is created between said first panel, said second panel, said first edge, and said third edge; whereby, said back of said chair is received through said opening.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein said top layer is comprised of a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, each of the first, second, and third layers having absorbent characteristics and also having a fluid locking nature to prevent transferring of fluid maintained therein. 